Jane's Carousel

We had a lovely trip to NYC over break. Highlights included seeing Klaus, seeing Erica, Emma and Chris, seeing our Brooklyn family, seeing Wicked, and... finally riding the Dumbo carousel! It was a good last day activity because it also included a 3 mile walk (which we knew would be followed by 8 hours of sitting in a car) and a lovely time was had by all. Not pictured here are both Evie and Sophie, who bravely accompanied Amity on the carousel!

Chanukah

Chanukah was on the earlier side this year, so it fell smack in the middle of concert/performance season and all of the other business that is the beginning of December. Nevertheless we did our best to light our menorah nightly, and in one case we even had M's guest menorah join us! For brevity's sake, I present a selection of menorah lightings for your enjoyment.

The Love of Three Oranges

Four years, four middle school productions. Zara's turn as the evil princess Clarice in The Love of Three Oranges marked her final appearance in a middle school play. From an ensemble member in 5th grade's Peter Pan to the faithful sidekick Will Scarlett in 6th grade's Robin Hood to a handful of roles, most notably Eurycleia, Odysseus' childhood caretaker in the Odyssey - she's had a good run. I'm not sure what future theatrical endeavors she'll pursue, but I'm certainly game to sit back and enjoy her performances.
Peter Pan

Robin Hood

The Odyssey

(photos courtesy of STAB's SmugMug)

Happy Halloween!

Both kiddos got to dress up for Halloween this year - K-4 always get to participate in the parade, and as the seniors of the middle school, 8th graders get to dress up, too. Zara went with a classic - RESISTANCE is a big theme around here, plus she's got the hair to do the Leia buns. Amity went Polar Bear, based on a literary character as well as just sheer love of the animal... but also doubled as an "albino wookie" to be a proper side kick for her big sister.

More Halloween

There were a lot of cool things going on before Halloween at the kiddos' school. Here's a few pics of those cool things.

Festy!

We went to Festy! I've been kinda wondering about the site (it is also where they hold Lockn') and with our fave band Carbon Leaf on the bill there's no way we could miss it! We had a lovely time, it was a beautiful day and a great show! Cheers!

Back to School: 3rd and 8th Grades

And in a flash, we're back to school. In Zara's case, she's starting her last year of middle school. In Amity's case, she's starting her 2nd to last year of the "East Wing" which is the K-4 arm of the K-8 division of school.In all cases, while we're a bit sad to bid summer adieu, everyone's excited for the upcoming year.

Whipped Cream 2k18

Z and E have been friends for a long time... and one of their favorite activities is either making or eating whipped cream. You decide.

Carbon Leaf

Outdoor Carbon Leaf concerts are one of the best things about summer. One of my other favorite things is seasonally (or situationally) inappropriate signs.

Yorktown and Richmond

Amity and I had a full day of adventures in Yorktown and Richmond while we waited to pick up Wes and Z on their return flight from Ireland. Our stops included a sail on the York River, atrip to everyone's favorite Richmond haunt, Maymont, as well as dinner at the Galaxy Diner!

Sláinte!

Zara and Wes went to Ireland for nearly 3 weeks with BRIMS and all I got were these adorbs selfies upon departure...

Zara's Bat Mitzvah

Portrait of the artists....

Photo cred to Aunt Deb for this gorgeous shot of auntie and niece!

Sisters

Sometimes they "hate" each other, often the kinda ignore each other, but we know deep down inside they love each other. And they are truly delightful.

Safari Park

Amity's end of second grade trip was to the Safari park (which is kinda like a zoo, but not?) and I didn't go. However, a friend (thanks, Neeral!) chaperoned their group and therefore I was the lucky recipient of some extra cute Amity + Zebras (real and decorative) pictorial documentation.

Team Purple.... something

Team purple faced a difficult season this go round. You could call it a growing season, perhaps. There were many set backs, including multiple injuries (breaks and sprains) that benched several players. In the end, there was definitely some fun had, and the girls worked hard and kept up a generally positive attitude. Some seasons just aren't yours to vanquish.

March For Our Lives

Happy 8th Birthday, Amity!

Amity turned 8! She is an amazingly wondrous human being who continues to bring me immense joy (and occasional frustration) on a daily basis. Love you lots, Amiboo!